Memory of Water

Emmi Itäranta

Emmi Itäranta's debut novel describes a world where fresh water has become scarce and tightly controlled, and village tea masters struggle to keep secret the freshwater springs they have guarded for generations. Seventeen-year-old Noria Kaitio is training to become the first female tea master in recent memory, and as she does, she finds herself in possession of dangerous secrets, demanding difficult choices.

Itäranta composed the Finnish and English versions of Memory of Water simultaneously, and the book has received critical acclaim in both Finland and the United States.

“Itäranta’s lyrical style makes this dystopian tale a beautiful exploration of environmental ethics and the power of ritual.” — Washington Post Book World

"The reflections on water, freedom and existence unfold as a whole philosophy of life, where the relations between an individual and the community, the present moment and the eternal are re-evaluated… The language flows beautifully and the thoughts are deep. On the whole, Memory of Water is a truly terrific debut novel." — Turun Sanomat Newspaper